Huatulco: Bays Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Hotel Pickup

Planning a day in Huatulco and wondering what kind of boat experience suits your style? We’ve looked into a popular tour that takes you through the breathtaking bays of Santa Cruz, Organo, Maguey, and more. If you’re after a laid-back adventure with chances to snorkel, spot marine life, and enjoy fresh seafood, this might just be your ideal day out.

What we like about this tour? First, it offers beautiful panoramic views combined with the chance to see local wildlife—dolphins, turtles, rays—if luck’s on your side. Second, the easy hotel pickup and drop-off make it hassle-free, especially if you’re not keen on figuring out transportation. On the flip side, a potential downside is that extras like snorkeling gear or port taxes add to the basic price, making it a bit more spendy than it looks at first glance. Still, if you’re the type who loves spending days on the water and exploring at a relaxed pace, this tour is worth considering—especially if you’re traveling with friends or want a flexible, scenic outing.

Key Points

• Great value for money with a full 7-hour experience including multiple bay visits
• Snorkeling at Chachacual’s underwater park is a highlight, offering a glimpse into vibrant marine life
• Wildlife sightings like dolphins, rays, and turtles are possible but depend on the day
• Beautiful natural landmarks including the Bufadero stone face and turtle-shaped island
• Food at Maguey Bay is a definite plus, with fresh seafood and local specialties
• Extras such as snorkeling gear rental and park tickets cost extra, so plan accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour is priced at $32 per person, which is quite reasonable for a full day on the water. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, plus soda and water to stay refreshed. However, you’ll need to budget for snorkeling equipment rental ($12.50 USD) if you want to snorkel, and port taxes ($4 USD). Meals are not included in the package, but the stop at Maguey Bay offers a chance to enjoy seafood and local dishes—many travelers find this part especially tasty.

Some reviews point out that additional costs can catch you off guard. One traveler from Canada shared frustrations about mandatory snorkeling equipment fees and extra charges for chairs or umbrellas at the beaches, which aren’t included in the tour fee. Others mentioned that payment for photos might be tricky, with some vendors refusing card payments and asking for cash instead.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Tangolunda, easing the logistical stress of organizing transportation. From there, a 15-minute drive takes you to the main bay of Santa Cruz, where you’ll board the boat. The boat cruise lasts about 80 minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy views of lush vegetation, sandy beaches, and colorful waters.

Next, you arrive at Chachacual Bay, part of the Huatulco National Park’s underwater park. Here, you’ll stop for approximately 1.5 hours, enough time to snorkel and see the coral reefs and marine species. The underwater park is designed for easy exploration and offers a good chance to spot fish, corals, and other marine life—especially if the weather is cooperative.

After snorkeling, the boat continues along the coast, showcasing natural rock formations like the Bufadero, known as the Mixteco Face, along with an island shaped like a turtle. These landmarks are a treat for photography and add a sense of adventure to the trip. The captain may take the boat out into open sea, increasing your chances to see dolphins, manta rays, and turtles—though, as reviews suggest, sightings depend on luck.

The second stop is Maguey Bay, which lasts around two hours. This stop is perfect for swimming, relaxing on the sand, and enjoying a delicious seafood lunch. Many travelers rave about the food, noting dishes like fish to size, stuffed pineapple, shrimp, and lobster with butter. It’s a relaxed setting with clear waters, ideal for unwinding before heading back.

Finally, the boat departs Maguey Bay and heads back to Santa Cruz, where you’ll disembark and be transported back to your hotel. Throughout the day, you’ll have multiple opportunities to take photos, soak in views, and relax with the sea breeze.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of scenic cruising, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and beach time offers a well-rounded experience. The lively guides, as some reviews mention, do a good job of providing information, though some travelers have wished for more info in English. The boat’s eco-friendly approach is a plus for those conscious of tourism’s impact on the environment.

The price point is appealing, particularly when you consider the number of stops and activities packed into the 7 hours. The seafood lunch at Maguey Bay is often highlighted as a highlight, giving you a taste of local flavors in this beautiful setting.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Bring cash for extras not included like snorkeling gear, port taxes, or food beyond what’s offered during the stop.
• Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel—the beaches have little shade, and sun protection is essential.
• Arrive early or be ready for the hotel pickup, as timing can vary slightly depending on your location.
• If snorkeling is a priority, rent gear in advance or be prepared to pay on-site; the rental fee is about $12.50 USD.
• Be flexible with wildlife sightings; dolphins and turtles are not guaranteed, but the scenic views and natural landmarks make it worthwhile regardless.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This boat tour is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water with opportunities to snorkel and enjoy seafood. It’s ideal if you prefer a full-day, all-in-one experience that doesn’t require too much planning or strenuous activity. If you’re OK with some extra costs for gear and optional souvenirs like photos, you’ll get good value.

However, keep in mind that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users and is somewhat dependent on weather for wildlife sightings and snorkeling conditions. Families with older children or teens who enjoy swimming and nature will find this experience enjoyable, but very young kids might find the boat and beach stops a bit long.

This Huatulco Bays Boat Tour offers a laid-back, scenic way to explore some of the coast’s most beautiful spots. It’s particularly good for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, marine wildlife, and fresh seafood. The value is solid, especially when you consider the full 7-hour itinerary with multiple stops.

While some reviews point out added costs and inconsistent services, most find the natural sights, friendly guides, and relaxed pace make it worth the price. It’s a great choice if you want a hassle-free, scenic day with opportunities for snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and enjoying local flavors.

If you’re after a balanced, enjoyable day out on the water—without the hype and with plenty of authentic moments—this tour could be a perfect fit. Just be sure to bring a little extra cash, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Tangolunda, making the day more comfortable and less stressful.

How long is the boat cruise? The total boat time is about 2 hours and 50 minutes across multiple legs, with stops at key locations.

Do I need to know how to swim? Not necessarily. If you want to snorkel, you don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but basic comfort in the water helps.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included, but there’s a seafood stop at Maguey Bay where you can purchase local dishes.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, water, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sandals, and cash for extras.

Are snorkeling equipment rentals expensive? Rental costs around $12.50 USD, which is an added expense if you plan to snorkel.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s suitable for older children who enjoy swimming and beaches. Very young children may find the boat ride and beach stops long.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What wildlife might I see? Dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds are possible sightings, but not guaranteed.

Are there any hidden costs? Be aware of extra charges for snorkeling gear, port tax ($4 USD), and possibly for food or photo services.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, scenic, and fun way to experience Huatulco’s bays, this tour ticks many boxes. Just keep in mind the potential for extra costs and plan accordingly. Enjoy your trip!

You can check availability for your dates here: